Bob Wise: “let me report that as the flood waters are receding, mercifully, in West Virginia, we have many areas that have been…”

“let me report that as the flood waters are receding, mercifully, in West Virginia, we have many areas that have been hard hit: Sisterville, Clendenin, the counties Calhoun and Wirt, Mason, Braxton, Gilmer, Roane and Putnam all have suffered unprecedented flood damage. Of course, Governor Underwood, the volunteers, the emergency services, the National Guard, all have done an incredible job in this first stage of flood recovery. Now comes the second stage, Mr. Speaker, because shortly the Federal disaster declaration will be made. At that time there will be a toll-free number for all residents in West Virginia to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and there they can apply for housing assistance, small business loans, unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, and a range of other assistance. Working with the Governor, Mr. Speaker, and the FEMA staff, my staff and I will be fanning out across the State as soon as this disaster declaration is made to work with local officials and to work with residents and to get the information out about how to get that assistance. The first stage, Mr. Speaker, of this flood recovery is coming to an end, and that is basically to preserve life, health, and property. And now we begin the second stage. And as we do, all West Virginians should know that with the Federal disaster declaration that will be coming shortly, they will not be left alone. The second stage begins and so does our recovery.”